Archive for
Back to my real job
Now that I am finally back to my real job (painting) things are really popping. Completing that first painting of Machu Picchu broke the logjam.
I just finished a smaller painting of the Hens and Chickens (no, not what you think — they are succulents) I saw and photographed in Quito, Ecuador last year and am working on a larger version as well. To add to that I also just finished an abstract watercolor based on the burning of the Deepwater Horizon titled, Monster in the Gulf.
Monster in the Gulf
And I am mulling over in my mind and dreaming about how I will create an abstract watercolor (again, probably one of many) based on the “cheap and cheerful” markets we saw everywhere in Peru. The two quick watercolor sketches I did last week are showing me where I need to go with this. The drop cloth for my studio just arrived (abstracts are incredibly messy with the spraying, dripping and splattering) so I plan on starting that next week. And finally, as I look at a lot of my photos I’m getting a strong urge to paint more people.
To top it all off, I am taking an abstract drawing class with Frank O’Cain at the Art Students League which is a real challenge. It’s such a struggle not to make my sketch of the model representational.
I may have to either find more hours in the day or focus down on one or two items. But right now it’s fun.
First Peru Painting
Well, I have finally finished my first painting based on our recent trip to Peru: specifically the view of Machu Picchu as seen through the early morning fog from the Sun Gate. It was a really magical experience, reducing many of the group (myself included) to tears.
Given the number of pictures I took (over 2000) this will be just the first of many paintings.
Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate
I’m also in the process of revamping my studio. As soon as the drop cloth arrives, I’ll be able to start the abstract of the “cheap and cheerful market” from Cusco. It’s been buzzing around in my head, but until I can work vertically and large, that’s where it stays. When I try to do a small sketch, it just doesn’t work.
Ruth Hurd | BLOG 